RADIOLOGY

What Do X-Rays Show?

X-rays create detailed images of structures inside the body, including:

• Bones - to check for fractures, joint problems, arthritis, spinal issues, or developmental abnormalities

• Teeth - to check for tooth fracture, bone loss, decay, or abnormalities

• Chest & lungs - to assess coughing, breathing difficulties, heart enlargement, fluid build-up, or masses

• Abdominal organs - such as the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder

• Foreign objects - such as toys, stones, bones, or other items a pet may have swallowed

• Tumours or unusual growths - in various parts of the body

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X-rays help us get a clearer picture of your pet's health and are often one of the first steps in diagnosing a problem.

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They are quick, non-invasive, and use a very low level of radiation.  They're a safe and reliable way to help us understand what your pet needs and how we can help them feel better

How Are X-Rays Used?

Your dog or cat will be gently positioned on the X-ray table, and our team will help keep them calm and comfortable.

In some cases, pets may need light sedation to help them stay still - this ensures the images are clear and avoids stress or discomfort.

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Once the images are taken, our veterinarians can review them immediately.  X-rays are often used to:

• Diagnose injuries or illness

• Monitor ongoing conditions, such as heart or joint disease

• Plan surgery or other treatments

• Check for complications after trauma

• Investigate symptoms like vomiting, coughing, limping, or changes in behaviour

Ultrasound for Pets

Ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive imaging tool that helps us look closely at your pet's internal organs in real time.  Using sound waves - rather than radiation - ultrasound allows us to see soft tissue in great detail, giving us valuable information about what's happening inside your pet's body.

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Ultrasound is a specialist field in itself.  Where an ultrasound may be too complex for our general practice veterinarians to get a true diagnostic picture, we may employ the services of a specialised ultrasonograher to visit us for your pet's ultrasound.  At this visit, we are provided with a full report from the ultrasonographer including imaging.

What Does Ultrasound Show?

Ultrasound is especially useful for examining soft tissues and fluid-filled structures.  It allows us to assess:

• Abdominal organs - including the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach, intestines, and bladder

• Heart function - through specialised cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography)

• Reproductive organs - such as the uterus and ovaries, to conform pregnancy

• Masses or lumps - helping determine whether they are solid, cystic, or fluid-filled

• Foreign bodies - that may be hiding in the stomach or intestines

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Because ultrasound shows movement, it can also reveal how organs are functioning in real time - for example, how the heart is beating or how the intestines are moving.

How is Ultrasound Used?

Your pet is gently placed on a padded table while a small area of fur is clipped to allow the ultrasound probe to make contact with the skin.  Most pets tolerate this very well and remain awake throughout.

For particularly anxious pets, or for detailed heart scans, light sedation may be recommended to help keep them relaxed and still.

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During the scan, our veterinarians can watch the images live and capture important snapshots or video clips for assessment.  Ultrasound is often used to:

• Investigate vomiting, weight loss, changes in appetite, or abdominal pain

• Assess heart murmurs or other suspected cardiac issues

• Evaluate urinary problems or bladder stones

• Check suspicious lumps or masses

• Confirm and monitor pregnancy

• Guide procedures such as fluid sampling or fine needle aspirates

CT Imaging for Pets

CT (Computed Tomography) scans are an advanced imaging tool that give us incredibly detailed, 3D views of your pet's internal structures.  CT scans allow us to examine areas of the body that are difficult to assess with standard X-rays or ultrasound, helping us diagnose conditions with greater accuracy and plan treatment with confidence.

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CT imaging provides a level of detail that other imaging techniques can't match.  It is safe, fast, and extremely valuable in helping us understand your pet's condition and choose the most effective treatment plan.

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We use a mobile CT for pets needing CT imaging.  Due to this service being mobile, there is a size restriction.  Large chested dogs are thus referred to a specialist hospital for CT imaging.

What Does a CT Scan Show?

CT imaging is especially helpful for capturing fine details in both bone and soft tissues.  It can reveal:

• Head and skull structures - ideal for investigating dental disease, ear infections, nasal problems, or head trauma

• Chest and lungs - to assess masses, airway issues, or subtle changes in lung tissue

• Spine and joints - for diagnosing slipped discs, spinal malformations, or complex orthopaedic problems

• Abdominal organs - with more detail than standard X-rays, helping detect masses, abnormalities, or internal injuries

• Blood vessels - using contrast dye to highlight circulation and identify issues such as vascular abnormalitites

• Foreign objects - especially those that are hard to detect with other imaging methods

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Because CT creates cross-sectional and 3D images, it allows us to see problem areas with exceptional clarity.

How is CT Used?

For a CT scan, your pet will need to stay completely still so the images are clear - this means that general anaesthesia is required.  your pet is monitored closely throughout the procedure to ensure their comfort and safety.

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The scan itself is quick, usually taking only a few minutes.  The images are available immediately and are sent to a specialist radiologist for detailed interpretation.

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CT imaging is often used to:

• Diagnose complex or unexplained illnesses

• Plan surgeries, especially for orthopaedic, spinal or head procedures

• Investigate chronic sneezing, nasal discharge, or suspected sinus disease

• Assess trauma, such as fractures or internal injuries

• Evaluate tumours and help determine their size and location

• Detect subtle abnormalitites that cannot be seen with X-ray or ultrasound